Car-coupling



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

n. WHOLEY.

GAR COUPLING (No Model.)

Patented Jan. 30, 1894..

lmi lmeoo o i IIASMNGYCI 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. D. WHOLEY. GAR COUPLING (No Model.)

"Patented Jan. 30, 1894.

Nrrs STATES ATENT Erica.

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 513,961, dated January 30, 1894.

Application filed March 2 3, l 8 93.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, DENNIS WHoLnY, of Lowell, in the county of Middlesex', State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Oar-Couplers, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawlngs.

The object of. my invention is to produce an lmproved coupler which automatically couples by meeting a corresponding coupling, and which may be readily uncoupled by an operator from a distance.

My invention is designed to obviate the dangers to which operators are now exposed in coupling and uncoupling cars.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a box car with one of my couplings attached. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the coupling detached. Fig. 3 is a side elevation thereof looking toward the uncoupling crank. Fig. 4 is a horizontal longitudipal section, showing the operating mechanism of the coupling when the jaw is open. Fig. 5 is a similar view, showing the mechanism when the jaw is closed.

Referring to the figures on the drawings: 1 lndicates a draw-head and 2 a coupler head preferably cast of solid metal, as illustrated.

3 lndicates a retaining or guiding lip on one side of the coupler head and 4 a knuckle on the opposite side thereof.

5 indicates a recess formedin the front and one side of the coupler head and in the knuckle. This recess is designed to accommodate a jaw 6. The jaw is provided with a curved tapered tongue 7, through which a pintle 8, passing through the knuckle, is inserted and by which the jaw is pivotally secured upon the coupler head. The jaw is preferably provided in its forward end with a link recess 9 and pin holes 10, by which, if required, my coupler may be united to the ordinary link coupling. The extreme end of the tongue, when the jaw is tilted outwardly, strikes in a-recess 11 in the wall of the coupler head and limits the degree of rotation of the jaw upon its pintle. The jaw is normally held in the open position by suitable means, preferably by a double coiled spring Serial No. 467,347- (No model.)

12 seated in the recess 13. of the spring bears against the side of the recess and the others, projecting outwardly, bear against the outer wall of the coupler head and operate as required. The pintle preferably passes through the coil of the spring and holds it securely in place.

For holding the jaw in the closed or coupling position, I employ a dog 14:, fixed on a rock shaft 15 in the recess. The shaft is preferably provided with a crank end 16 for operating it. The dog is,in practice, of sufficient weight to allow it to fall between the wall of the recess 5, and the end of the tongue Whenever the jaw is turned toward the coupler head sufficiently to allow space for the admission of the dog. The side of the dog against the tongue is beveled, as shown at 17, whereby the broad bearing face of a solid piece of metal is opposed against the tongue, and danger of breakage or crushing of the parts is completely obviated.

In operation, suppose the jaw to be in its normal position, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. If a twin coupler is forced against it, the jaw will be turned upon its pivot until brought nearly at right angles to the general direction of the knuckle, when the dog, of its own weight, will drop in place behind the tongue and securely fasten the jaw in this position, thereby coupling the parts to gether. Upon lifting the crank 16 the tongue will be relieved from the operation of the 'dog and the jaw, actuated by its spring, will fly open and uncouple the parts. The crank may be operated either from the side of the car or from its top, as by a crank shaft 18 and chain 19, or by a vertical chain 20, communicating with the crank 16, from the top of the car.

. What I claim is 1. In a coupler, the combination with the coupling head, knuckle and recess, of a spring actuated jaw pivoted in the knuckle, a tongue on the inner end of the jaw, a pivoted gravity dog adapted to be interposed between the end of the tongue and the wall of the recess, one side of the dog being beveled to conform to the inclination of the tongue, and the flange upon the head adapted to limit the movement One of the ends I of the tongue under the impulse of the spring when the gravity dog is lifted, substantially as specified.

2. In a coupler, the combination with the 5 coupling head, knuckle and recess, of a jaw pivoted in the knuckle, a tongue on the inner end of the jaw, a pivoted dog adapted to be interposed between the end of the tongue and the wall of the recess, one side of the dog be- 10 ing beveled to conform to the inclination of the tongue, substantially as specified.

3. The combination with the coupler head 2 provided with the recess 5 and flange 11, of the jaw 6, coil spring 12 adapted to actuate the jaw, tapered dog 14 and shaft 15, sub- 15 stantially as specified.

In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name.

DENNIS WHOLEY. Witnesses:

JOSEPH L. ATKINS, LOUIS G. J ULIHN. 

